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TV tonight: CMA Awards, 'CSI'

Robert Bianco, USA TODAY
Published 2:00 a.m. ET Nov. 6, 2013

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USA TODAY's Robert Bianco previews November 6th's TV lineup from the Critic's Corner, with the Country Music Awards hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood again and a new episode of 'CSI' starring Lea Thompson.

What's worth watching, and what might not be, in prime time on Wednesday.

Yes, I know: The music industry seems to have an awards show every week, and half of them seem to be devoted to country music exclusively. But this one, which stands with The Grammys as country music's most prestigious prize, really does mean something, at least to the people who are up for one. Hosted for the sixth straight year by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, the show promises performances from stars such as Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Blake Shelton, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban and, of course, the hosts. If country's your style, this is your show.

Broadway fans, on the other hand, might be happier over at SVU, which boasts a guest appearance by Billy Porter – a Tony winner this year for Kinky Boots. He plays a singing coach and TV talent-show star who's accused of sexual abuse by one of his young students. Naturally, the case is not as simple as it may first appear. Oh, and as a Broadway bonus, you also get to see Tony winner Bill Irwin and multiple nominee Raul Esparza.

CSI | CBS, 10 ET/PT

Here's a flashback to the days when NBC's comedies ruled the airwaves. Caroline in the City star Lea Thompson guests as an innocence-project lawyer who clashes with a CSI team now led by Cheers star Ted Danson. You may not be feeling nostalgic, but you can bet the folks at NBC are.